National Park I am visiting: Zion National Park in Utah, USA
This past weekend my family and I drove out to Utah (8 hours) to spend some time in Zion National Park. Our goal was to see and feel something different, something we had not experienced before. Zion definitely delivered. Towering rock faces, yellow and green tree leaves, fast moving streams and vistas of flat topped mountains were everywhere. The park was at about 40 percent occupancy which made the trip much more pleasant and less stressful. Our favorite hike was called “The Narrows.” Picture this, huge rock mountains shooting up from both sides with a slow moving stream separating them. Water falls, the occasional sunlight streaming into the canyon and people slowly meandering up the stream. The water in which you walk through is 38 degrees. Most people have rented “dry suits” which include shoes that resemble moon boots, wetsuit material socks and pants that ride up above the waist. Kids receive the same boots and socks but have full body suits that look more like they will be diving to the deepest parts of the ocean. Large walking sticks are given to all people to help stabilize your body as you walk along the slippery rock bottom of the stream. All things considered this was a really unique experience that we will definitely remember. I would also recommend trying out the hikes called “Emerald Pools” and “The Watchman”.
Success practice I am employing: Goal setting while on vacation
Any time I am blessed enough to get away for a few days with my family I always steal off in the morning before anyone is awake in an attempt to have time to sit in an inspiring location and write new behaviors to commit to. This past week I was able to walk over to a park bench that sat at the base of an enormous red rock mountain range to watch the sunrise over the peaks. I have found that by sitting somewhere new, seeing something majestic and focusing my mind on the type of life and human I would like to become, I experience significant breakthroughs. Make sure to take something to write with and a piece of paper or a journal. These thoughts will become your “north star” for the following months at which time, you can create a new set of goals on your next adventure!
Quote I am repeating: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from, with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ~ Terry Prachett
My wife and I have made it an enormous priority to ensure that we are traveling as often as possible. This commitment of our time and resources is designed to help mold our minds as well as our children’s. By gaining new perspectives, getting out of the familiar and breaking up the monotony of daily life we hope to evolve as human beings. If you are feeling like you are in a rut or that each day is the same as the last, decide to take a trip to somewhere new. Get creative about how you can be safe, socially distance and still have a great time!
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Have a kick ass week everyone!
In Health,
Dr. Devin Shea, DC